California · FAIR Plan + DIC
Difference in conditions insurance (DIC) in California
The FAIR Plan covers fire and little else. A DIC policy is the private wrap that adds liability, water damage, and theft — so FAIR + DIC together approximate a standard policy. Compare the two below.
FAIR + DIC vs a standard policy
Standard (admitted)
ACTUALMiddle 50%: $1,267–$1,764. CDI §12959 filed, $625k profile.
FAIR Plan + DIC
FAIR ACTUAL · DIC ILLUSTRATIVECombined ≈ $2,927–$3,727 / yr (contains an illustrative DIC estimate).
| Coverage | Standard | FAIR alone | FAIR + DIC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire / smoke | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Liability | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Water damage | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Theft | ✓ | — | ✓ |
The FAIR Plan covers fire only; a DIC policy adds liability, water, and theft. DIC pricing is not publicly filed, so the DIC figure is an illustrative range, not a quote. Coverage rows from the California FAIR Plan / DIC channel descriptions. We refer to licensed brokers and never bind coverage.
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Frequently asked
What is difference in conditions insurance?
Difference in conditions (DIC) insurance is private coverage that wraps around the California FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan covers fire only; the DIC adds the perils it leaves out — liability, water damage, theft, and more — so the combination approximates a standard homeowners policy.
Do you need DIC insurance with the FAIR Plan?
Almost always. The FAIR Plan is fire-only, so on its own it leaves you without liability or water-damage protection, and most mortgage lenders expect broader coverage. A DIC policy fills those gaps.
Is FAIR Plan plus DIC cheaper than regular insurance?
Usually not. A standard admitted policy is typically less expensive and broader where you can get one — California county medians run roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year. FAIR + DIC is a fallback for when the standard market won't write you; the FAIR portion alone averages about $3,008/yr statewide (March 2026).
How do I get DIC insurance in California?
DIC insurance in California is sold by licensed brokers who place it alongside a FAIR Plan application, typically from surplus-lines or specialty carriers rather than the standard admitted market.
Next step
Check your exact address and see the FAIR Plan + DIC fallback. When you’re ready to shop, a licensed California broker can compare carriers for you. We provide estimates only — never quotes.
Check your address or find consumer help from the California Department of Insurance